Over the past two years, EdOpt has held 20 education fairs across New Hampshire, from Seacoast to Manchester, Claremont to Candia.
We’ve spoken with hundreds of families and collected survey responses from dozens of attendees. While the survey numbers are relatively small, the patterns are remarkably consistent.
Perhaps the most important thing we’ve learned is this:
Families are not looking for educational alternatives because they’re unhappy with a particular school.
They’re looking because they’re trying to solve a problem. And our education providers should know this.
They’re Not Shopping. They’re Searching.
When people visit an EdOpt fair, they rarely arrive saying, “I’d like to compare several school options.”
Instead, they tell us stories.
- “My child is miserable every morning.”
- “My daughter is bored.”
- “My son is anxious all the time.”
- “We don’t feel like the school shares our values.”
- “We know something isn’t working, but we don’t know what else exists.”
The surveys confirmed what we hear in conversations at nearly every fair.
The most common reason families sought alternatives was that the values taught in school did not align with their own values. Second was that their children’s academic needs were not being met. Concerns about stress, anxiety, and depression was third, but still prominent.
These aren’t complaints about curriculum or test scores. They’re concerns about fit.
Families are looking for environments where their children can thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and personally.
Most Families Don’t Know What’s Available
One of the most encouraging findings from the surveys was how often attendees reported learning about options they didn’t know existed.
Parents told us they discovered:
- Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs)
- Microschools
- Learning centers
- Charter schools
- Hybrid programs
- Homeschooling approaches
- Extracurricular and enrichment opportunities
This continues to surprise us.
New Hampshire has one of the most diverse educational landscapes in the country, yet many families are unaware of the choices available to them.
Often, parents come to a fair believing they have only two options: stay where they are or homeschool full-time.
They leave realizing there are many possibilities they hadn’t known existed.
That’s exactly the purpose of these events.
Confidence Matters
One survey result stood out above all the others: More than 85 percent of respondents reported leaving with greater clarity or confidence about their children’s educational future.
For us, that’s the most meaningful statistic.
Families don’t necessarily leave having made a decision. They leave knowing they have options.
For parents who may have spent months worrying that their child isn’t thriving, that confidence matters.
What Providers Should Know
For the education providers who participate in our fairs, there is an important lesson in all of this.
Families are not primarily looking for programs — they’re looking for solutions.
They’re not just asking whether a school offers project-based learning, classical education, Montessori methods, outdoor education, apprenticeships, or hybrid schedules.
They’re also asking:
- Can this help my child?
- Can this solve the problem we’re facing?
- Can my child belong here?
The providers who connect most effectively with families are often the ones who understand that distinction.
Looking Ahead
As EdOpt continues to host fairs throughout New Hampshire, we expect these conversations to continue evolving.
But if the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that New Hampshire families are eager to find educational environments that fit their children.
Not every child needs the same thing.
Not every family wants the same thing.
And that’s exactly why educational options matter. When families understand the choices available to them, they’re far more likely to find a path that helps their children flourish.
That’s what our fairs are ultimately about: helping families discover possibilities they may not have known existed and giving them the confidence to pursue the educational path that fits them best.
-Jody
Jody Underwood, Ph.D.
President, Education Options
More EdOpt Fairs
Bow: OUTDOORS!
This is going to be our first OUTDOOR fair. There is a playground right next to the parking lot where we will be holding the fair, so bring the kids!
- Thursday, July 30 from 6-8pm
- The Plaza at 1494 Rt 3A in Bow NH
- Providers and attendees can register here.
There will be an ice cream truck. Stay tuned for more as we get closer.
We’re also working on fairs in other places — Loudon will be in the fall. Let us know if you want to organize one in your area!
Let your friends know about these fairs. Word of mouth is the best way to advertise. Also, follow us and share our events and posts on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
About EdOpt
EdOpt is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose aim is to help families understand all their education options, from non-traditional (homeschooling, homeschool co-ops, microschools) to traditional (charter schools, private schools, tech centers, dual enrollment, learn everywhere).
Use our website to find education providers options around the state. Please let us know if we’re missing any!
EdOpt also provides guidance to help you figure out what will suit your children. Set up a FREE Education Options consultation today. And check out our new AI Assistant, the EdOpt Navigator, available on every website page.
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